The
MEGAPHONE
Elwood, Indiana Elwood High School(s)
Volume 7, No. 8 Tuesday, August 1, 2006
1948 was a good year!!!
Contents
-- Page numbers on the left can be used as links --
Page 1 . . . In and Around Your Hometown -- Nancy Sumner
Page 2 . . . Panther Den Birthday & Anniversary Calendar -- Nancy Sumner (Our Calendar Girl)
Beautiful Mediocrity -- Karen (Stine) Hollies
Page 3 . . . Family Treasure -- Larry Courtney
Page 4 . . . Parents or Children -- Estel E. Harney
Orange Clouds / A Magical, Mystical Morn -- Cindy (Benedict) Odom
Page 5 . . . Brian's Story -- Julie (Stout) Crim
Page 6 . . . Vacation Bible School -- Jane Ann (Seright) Lemen
Page 7 . . . Double Vision -- Wendy Willkie
In and Around Your Hometown
by Nancy Sumner
I’m always at a loss as to what to say and how to start, so I sit here for 1/2 hour or so trying to get my brain in gear and remember what has happened this past month! And then I beat myself up thinking why didn’t I make a note of such and such! Or… I wonder if the Den would be interested in this? So I’ll start and maybe by the end I’ll have created something understandable and not just babble (of which I’m good at)!
This cauldron of flowers is just one of 20 or so that adorn our uptown sidewalks. They come in all colors and types of flowers and grace Anderson Street from North A to South C streets. The flowers are a welcome sight to those coming into our uptown area. There are vibrant colors and that speaks of a rebirth and a revitalization to our business community. Thanks should go to Mike Mengelt with the Main Street Association, donations from local citizens, uptown businesses and Barn Yard Greenhouse. Nice job!
This next section should be called… What was Old… Is New Again!
I believe it was last month that I mentioned about the Palmer Institute acquiring the old city building. This past week the Institute held an impromptu open house for the citizens of Elwood. It was to show what work had been accomplished and what work still needed to be done. A presentation was made to about 35 people in what was the old court room followed by a tour of the remodeled areas. It was stated that by October the first class of students will be enrolled and classes will begin. More activities will be planned for community involvement including a 5K run, and Kids Dash along with other ideas in the making. There are great plans and ideas under the dome of the old dinosaur! Keep watching.
One more story of… What was Old… Is New Again!
The Carnegie Library. Another city dinosaur! There is life breathing into that building! Late last fall Updegraff Furniture was forced to move from their location in the old T-Way Plaza to make room for the new Dollar General Market. On a gamble, DJ Updegraff moved some of his furniture into the old library. Things appear to be going very well at this location. He has his new furniture on the upper level and on the lower he has slightly used furniture and appliances. There have been some comments on the Den, especially when the move first took place about the likelihood of converting the library, but to me, it fits! I remember as a student trips to the library meant nothing but homework, tests or term papers. There was nothing to enjoy by going there! Today it is no longer a library but instead a beautiful piece of period architecture and design complimented by fine furniture.
As a student, I never noticed the fireplaces, the detail molding on the ceilings, the stately mahogany columns or the 1 inch tiles in the flooring at the entrance. The only thing I could see back then was stacks of books and a head librarian that you didn’t dare breathe in front of or make a sound! Today, new life is infiltrating at the corner of 16th and North A streets.
Next week I’ll create a new photo album of other pictures taken at DJ’s!
As a final thought, the third weekend of August is the Elwood Glass Festival! The dates would be Aug. 18th – 20th! Put those dates on your calendar and plan now to attend!
Signing out,
Your Hometown Reporter,
Nancy Sumner '66